The intersection of security and sustainability within wireless sensor networks (WSNs) underscores pivotal factors such as energy efficiency, resource optimization, energy waste reduction, and the sustained integrity of network infrastructure. This interplay ensures that deployments are not just efficient but also ecologically sound. WSNs comprise autonomously dispersed sensors linked to battery-powered devices, facilitating wireless data transmission. The optimization of WSNs through Fog and Edge Computing signifies a paradigm shift, diminishing reliance on central cloud servers. This adaptive strategy enhances WSN efficiency across diverse environmental conditions by streamlining data transmission to centralized cloud servers. In cryptographic systems, conventional approaches reliant on mathematical algorithms to secure communication channels encounter vulnerabilities. Quantum cryptography presents a more robust alternative to conventional methods, while post-quantum cryptography (PQC) employs algorithms resilient to both traditional and quantum threats. This chapter introduces a novel approach for mutual authentication and generating session keys in communications between WSN nodes. We use Super singular Hyperelliptic Curve Cryptography (HECC) with a small size by exchange key Diffie-Hellman (DH) to improve security in IoT and WSN. This method provides a promising mix of quantum resistance and integration into conventional approaches.
The intersection of security and sustainability within wireless sensor networks (WSNs) underscores pivotal factors such as energy efficiency, resource optimization, energy waste reduction, and the sustained integrity of network infrastructure. This interplay ensures that deployments are not just efficient but also ecologically sound. WSNs comprise autonomously dispersed sensors linked to battery-powered devices, facilitating wireless data transmission. The optimization of WSNs through Fog and Edge Computing signifies a paradigm shift, diminishing reliance on central cloud servers. This adaptive strategy enhances WSN efficiency across diverse environmental conditions by streamlining data transmission to centralized cloud servers. In cryptographic systems, conventional approaches reliant on mathematical algorithms to secure communication channels encounter vulnerabilities. Quantum cryptography presents a more robust alternative to conventional methods, while post-quantum cryptography (PQC) employs algorithms resilient to both traditional and quantum threats. This chapter introduces a novel approach for mutual authentication and generating session keys in communications between WSN nodes. We use Super singular Hyperelliptic Curve Cryptography (HECC) with a small size by exchange key Diffie-Hellman (DH) to improve security in IoT and WSN. This method provides a promising mix of quantum resistance and integration into conventional approaches.
Quantum computing poses a significant threat to Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) by undermining traditional cryptographic algorithms such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). This work proposes a quantum-safe architecture for WSNs that integrates post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with lightweight IoT protocols to ensure long-term confidentiality, authenticity, and resilience. The framework leverages ML-KEM for key encapsulation and ML-DSA/SLH-DSA for signatures, and seamlessly integrates with EDHOC, OSCORE, and COSE. A novel Efficient Adaptive Parameter Selection (EAPS) mechanism dynamically adjusts cryptographic strength to balance security, energy consumption, and latency under varying network conditions. Experimental evaluation demonstrates that ciphertext fragmentation (8–27 pieces) results in manageable completion times of 4–10 seconds, while join operations consume only 0.005–0.03 J per cryptographic handshake event, while system-level energy consumption including network overhead is higher (~1.0–1.4 J per join cycle depending on hop count and retransmissions). Battery lifetime projections under steady-state sensing workloads range from approximately 115–280 months for low-duty-cycle operation, whereas realistic deployment conditions with periodic communication yield effective lifetimes of 11.5–24 months. Security analysis confirms robust resistance against downgrade attacks and Harvest-Now-Decrypt-Later (HNDL) threats. Moreover, EAPS reduces risk scores by over 50% compared to fixed schemes with less than 10% additional energy overhead, and batch signature verification improves scalability by increasing throughput from ~1,600 to ~2,800 verifications per second. Overall, the proposed framework demonstrates that WSNs can achieve quantum-resistant security with minimal performance trade-offs, ensuring readiness for the post-quantum era.
Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are quiet dynamic technology made up of discrete multi-function sensor nodes that interconnect wireless for short distances. WSNs have distinct traits as well as limitations that impede the development of efficient attack detection and prevention methods. Security in WSN is a more difficult task because of the processing limits of sensor nodes as well as the nature of wireless communications. The widespread WSNs usage has given development to several forms of threats. To guard against threats, appropriate security measures must be implemented. Cryptography, specifically encryption, plays a pivotal role in protecting data from unauthorized access. However, not all encryption methods are equally effective, as some exhibit vulnerabilities. Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) is the most efficient option because of its reduced key size. Comprehensive safety despite lower key sizes leads to area as well as power efficient crypto systems. With recent technological advancements, traditional encryption no longer appears to be a safe solution for security and privacy of data. Quantum cryptography uses quantum physics processes to provide safe data transmission among sender and recipient. However, quantum cryptography comprises a revolution over network security field. Therefore, this research focuses on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with ECC for effective authentication, key management and energy conservation. Thus, the proposed QKD-ECC method is implemented and evaluated with traditional ECC and other cryptography method for better WSN security and privacy of data transmission.
Ensuring the confidentiality of communication is of paramount significance. Traditionally, cryptographic practices for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) have been primarily based on classical cryptography like RSA and Elliptic Curve, which are potentially susceptible to cyber attacks from future quantum computers with enough computing power. To ensure the protection and safety of inter-node communication in WSNs, it becomes imperative to employ a Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithm. This paper presents post-quantum low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (PQ-LEACH), an advanced secure wireless communication protocol based on the LEACH protocol. By integrating post-quantum cryptography, specifically Kyber’s key encapsulation method, and a key update system, PQ-LEACH effectively enhances the security of communication and mitigates various WSN attacks. Additionally, a comprehensive performance analysis of PQ-LEACH, including its impact on network energy efficiency and longevity, is conducted. The results demonstrate the trade-offs between enhanced security measures and operational performance, providing critical insights for the deployment of secure and efficient WSNs in a quantum-threatened landscape.
Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are systems made up of sensor nodes that communicate wirelessly over short distances, with adaptability and functionality at their coreessence. These networks have traits. Face challenges in devising effective strategies for identifying and thwarting attacks due to limitations, in individual sensor node processing power and the essence of wireless communication. Securing WSN poses a challenge given the constrained processing abilities of sensor nodes and the inherent nature of communication while facing various security threats that have emerged alongside the widespread adoption of these networks. To protect against these dangers it's crucial to put in place the security measures Encryption's key, to keeping data safe from unauthorized users Nevertheless not all encryption methods are equally strong as some are vulnerable Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) is considered the best option due to its smaller key sizes offering strong security with efficiency in space and energy As technology advances conventional encryption techniques are seen as inadequate, for ensuring data privacy and security Utilizing principles from physics to ensure data transmission, between the sender and receiver is a groundbreaking advancement in network security known as quantum cryptography. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) combined with ECC is highlighted in this study, for authentication processes, key management and energy efficiency. A novel method called QKD ECC has been put into practice. Compared against ECC and other encryption methods to bolster the security of WSN and safeguard the confidentiality of data exchange.
In this chapter, we assess the security considerations associated with integrating wireless sensor networks (WSNs) into the Internet of Things (IoT). Our main concern stems from new potential threats to the current security solutions employed in these applications. Particularly, the potential construction of a large-scale quantum computer in the upcoming decade could enable attackers to compromise some widely used public-key cryptography (PKC) algorithms: RSA, DSA, Diffie–Hellman, ECDH, and ECDSA. In order to counteract this threat, multiple organizations led by the U.S. National Institute for Standards and Technology have launched a standardization process seeking PKC algorithms that can resist quantum-enabled attacks. Hence, it can be expected that IoT standards will consequently be updated to adapt for this new threat scenario. However, it is unclear whether these solutions can be adopted by WSN devices, given the processing, memory, power, and bandwidth constraints of this technology. In our work, we study multiple foreseeable outcomes as a result of this shift in security concerns and identify the different challenges and opportunities for each case.
Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are quiet dynamic technology made up of discrete multi-function sensor nodes that interconnect wireless for short distances. WSNs have distinct traits as well as limitations that impede the development of efficient attack detection and prevention methods. Security in WSN is a more difficult task because of the processing limits of sensor nodes as well as the nature of wireless communications. The widespread WSNs usage has given development to several forms of threats. To guard against threats, appropriate security measures must be implemented. Cryptography, specifically encryption, plays a pivotal role in protecting data from unauthorized access. However, not all encryption methods are equally effective, as some exhibit vulnerabilities. Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) is the most efficient option because of its reduced key size. Comprehensive safety despite lower key sizes leads to area as well as power efficient crypto systems. With recent technological advancements, traditional encryption no longer appears to be a safe solution for security and privacy of data. Quantum cryptography uses quantum physics processes to provide safe data transmission among sender and recipient. However, quantum cryptography comprises a revolution over network security field. Therefore, this research focuses on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with ECC for effective authentication, key management and energy conservation. Thus, the proposed QKD-ECC method is implemented and evaluated with traditional ECC and other cryptography method for better WSN security and privacy of data transmission.